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    Gremlin Garage

    4.6 (185 reviews)
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    Recommended Reviews - Gremlin Garage

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    Burnt honey latte! Every latte should taste this delish!
    Yasaman J.

    If you are looking for an awesome coffee shop experience look no further and bookmark this place! The ambiance is so cool and chill. If you are lucky enough to have Mena as your barista, she is so friendly and kind right from walking in the store until you leave. Every barista should have this amazing customer service attitude. I told her that I don't like my drink too sweet so she recommended the Burnt honey latte and it was delicious! If you are in the area, check this place out. You won't be disappointed! Triple bookmark it!

    Seasonal menu
    Tina L.

    Their staff and vibes are nice. Thought there would be more seating but I like the comfortable seating area and lighting decor. There are several tables. I ended up creating my own vanilla double matcha - matcha latte with a matcha cold foam (because they ran out of Earl grey base as part of their seasonal menu so they let simply choose a different base). Good drink and not overly sweet.

    Pup cups available!
    jelica b.

    Love this spot! The staff is always so friendly and I love that it's dog friendly and woman owned. It's been a great place to get some work done and I love how there's comfortable seating options. Only downside i could see is limited parking, but I've been able to snag a spot if I get there early.

    Peach ring tonic in front, Kyoto fog (lavender) in back. Seasonal special
    Jannet C.

    Go in through the garage, not the front doors if that makes sense! Following a recommendation from my friend, we decided to get a morning pick me up at Gremlin Garage. The ambiance is chic and relaxed, spacious with plenty of seating for studying or hanging out with friends. We had their seasonal specials, the peach ring tonic and the Kyoto fog with lavender syrup. Both drinks were flavors I haven't had before and felt crisp, flavorful, and refreshing. I definitely will be coming back

    Graeme H.

    Yup! This place really exists. Take a look at the photos, now back to the review, now back to the photos, now back to this review. Is it fair to say that its mancave meets indy coffee vibes? In this case a picture is worth a thousand words. The shop is tucked inside an industrialist (mostly auto repair and custom shops) street filled with alleys. In one of the alleys lives this shop. Check the days and times the spot is open because the hours/days are indeed limited. The folks are super friendly, and accommodating. Where else do you get service as it should be, where you order your drink, take a seat and they bring it right to ya! There is a secret menu laying around somewhere (if you can find it). I've had the sparkling Yuzu Matcha here and its solid. Nice couches to relax on or tables to get a few things done on your laptop. Movies play against the wall. A small moto assortment of items and gear for sale. Dog friendlyish. Like other reviewers, parking is quite difficult. One time I had to park at Mitsua and walk (even though Mitsua parking security says you can't) and one other time I had no choice but to give up and go elsewhere because after five laps of driving around there was Ziltch, but the other nine or ten times i've frequented the place I've gotten lucky with it. Really and truly...a hidden gem!

    Cimarron K.

    Very cool atmosphere this place nails that masculine, vintage aesthetic. Think leather, motorcycles, vintage cameras, and typewriters. Definitely my kind of vibe.i have brought so many friends here to see how cool this place is. The staff is always friendly, and I've been here multiple times now, consistently a great experience. The espresso is excellent (5/5), and the yuzu espresso tonic is easily my favorite (also 5/5). It's unique, refreshing, and done right with the syrup and pulp from the yuzu. If you go, start with a straight espresso to really understand the quality of their beans, then branch out into a latte or one of their specialty drinks.I even picked up a bag of beans that they had for their espresso that day.

    Burnt honey latte and caramel banana latte
    Brittany T.

    HATE when I find a coffee shop that's so stupid good I know I'm gonna be back to spend lots of money there. In this economy though, Gremlin Garage is an OC coffee shop that's well worth the $8 charge for a specialty latte for a few reasons: 1. The ambiance is excellent. You can tell someone put a lot of thought and care into curating the pieces in here. It's like a coffee shop that is lightly themed like an auto shop? Given its proximity to the auto shops nearby, this makes perfect sense and adds just a little bit of whimsy to the coffee experience. There's also plenty of seating for lounging, working, whatever. It's a great space. 2. The service was excellent. The cashier took the time to walk me through the menu when I told her it was my first time and even offered my doggy a pup cup with a little treat in it. So sweet! I love kind humans. 3. The coffee is so good and these flavors are unique, which is genuinely hard to achieve in a coffee saturated city like Costa Mesa. One of their signatures is a burnt honey latte. I ordered this and found myself having to physically stop myself from chugging it. It was that good. My husband got the caramel banana. I know banana is pretty standard these days but the addition of the caramel just elevated it a bit. He's not really a fancy coffee person and he loved this one. 4. Dog friendly! My pup enjoyed getting to come with us and enjoy her pup cup and the staff loved her. For me, this is a mark of a truly dog friendly spot, versus just dog tolerant. My only nit (and I'm sure they're well aware of this) but parking SUCKS. There's like 4 spots and on a crowded weekend even the street parking fills us. That's why we arrived as early to opening as possible but when we came by a few weekends before we just had to drive away because we couldn't find a spot. It would be great to procure a few more spots.

    Peach and cream matcha
    Kimberly A.

    This spot has such a distinct vibe it feels exactly like you're hanging out in your coolest friend's motorcycle garage. It's got that raw, industrial aesthetic, but they've clearly put a lot of intention into the details to make it feel welcoming rather than cold. The service was top-tier! Even the Wi-Fi password was a highlight (it's hilarious and definitely fits the "coffee" theme). I originally stopped by specifically for a secret menu item they happened to be out of, but the guy working was so nice about it that it didn't even matter. I ended up with the Peaches and Cream Matcha with oat milk. It was delicious and super well-balanced. I also really appreciated that they double-checked with me about the topping--it's dairy, and since I ordered oat milk, it was great of them to confirm I was okay with that instead of just serving it. If you want a place with character and staff that actually pays attention, this is it. I'll definitely be back to try and snag that secret menu drink next time!

    Caramel banana latte
    Jacob S.

    I want to gate-keep this spot so badly just because parking can get difficult! Gremlin is such a hidden gem in Costa Mesa. They have a fun menu with interesting flavor combinations, a very cool aesthetic inside (this is a former auto shop garage after all), and the owners are incredibly friendly. Like I said, parking can be difficult, but there is plenty of workspace and tables inside.

    Valentina L.

    Tucked away in a business area near Mitsuwa...this spot was absolutely a hidden gem. Went on a weekday morning and it was not crowded. The people were very kind and welcoming. I got their Mango Sticky rice matcha and their winter special white chocolate raspberry matcha. I like the white chocolate raspberry more. Love the theme and interior. They have a hidden secret menu which they give you a hint on where to locate it! Would definitely come visit again.

    Dana M.

    Gremlin Garage in Costa Mesa is such a fun spot with a grungy, artsy vibe--think fancy garage meets creative art space. The aesthetic of the shop is seriously cool and unique, making it a great place to hang out or snap a few photos. They host fun events, and the drink menu is huge with so many options that you can customize exactly how you like. Whether you're into coffee, tea, or something a little more adventurous, there's something for everyone. Parking can be a bit tricky, but there's some street curbside parking nearby, so it's definitely manageable. Overall, it's a spot that feels energetic, creative, and a little bit rebellious--in the best way!

    Burnt Honey Latte
    Novia E.

    Such a cute coffee shop with inside a garage! Not only the decorations are cool, I feel like the space is well decorated with some cool displays as well! They have plenty of drinks and pastries to choose from. They made the drinks pretty fast too! The staff are friendly and chill. They also sell merch exclusive for Gremlin Garage.

    Menu 3/2026
    Dan A.

    Wow. Not to often that I go to a place and walk away wanting to come back the next day. Gremlin Garage does that. First, the flavors that come from the caramel banana latte are to die for. Love how strong the banana is. I also got the burnt honey latte and loved how simple and tasty it was. Can't go wrong with those two. Now the atmosphere is top notch. Motorcycles, green, black, and gremlins, like how can you not love the vibes. The two employees were so kind as well. I loved chatting with them about the coffee shop and about the drinks they offer. The ONLY downside is parking. Any pro tips on where to park?

    Strawberry Matcha Latte

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    9 months ago

    It was a hot day and it was pretty stuffy in there. The coffee was ok. My friends liked the coffee a lot.

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    10 months ago

    Coffee is great and the place is awesome to get some work done. Super chill place. Everyone that works there is also super friendly

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    1 year ago

    Cool place, good coffee. More food choices would be awesome. Would come again. Love the decor.

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    7 months ago

    cute place but parking is impossible. matchas were kinda weak and just tasted like the flavoring :(

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    7 months ago

    randomly stumbled across this place and was thoroughly pleased with this coffee shop! great drinks, friendly baristas, and good vibes

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    1 year ago

    Atmosphere feels off and the coffee is decent at best. Barista seemed bothered by having to do her job... the vibe wasn't vibing ‍

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    Page 5 of 5

    Ask the Community - Gremlin Garage

    Are they dog friendly?

    They serve pup cups and I've seen people in there with dogs on leash so I'd assume yes.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Gremlin Garage

    Stopped by Gremlin Garage for the first time and had the Caramel Banana Latte, which was absolutely delicious.

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    I've now been to both The Nook in Costa Mesa and Torrance and I can confidently say... I get the…read morehype. At the Costa Mesa location, parking was a little tricky at first, but after circling we got lucky with a corner spot. The location itself is SO cute! It's right next to colorful barrel fountains, and on a sunny day it honestly felt like the perfect coffee outing. The line was pretty long and you are standing in direct sun, so just keep that in mind, but the service was quick and efficient once you order. Inside, it's small but really charming, with Sunny Angels hidden around and a very open, friendly vibe. My sister (who is basically a professional coffee drinker at this point ) got the matcha and said it was her favorite, which says a lot. I got the iced Spanish latte with oat milk, and it was SO good. Spanish lattes are my go-to, and this one had the perfect hint of cinnamon without being overly sweet. Even as the ice melted, it still tasted great, which is rare. The Torrance location was just as good! Parking was easier, the space is bigger, and the service was still super friendly and fast. My husband got the cold brew "Nook way" and finished it in like 10 minutes. He said it tasted like Golden Grahams cereal. Highly recommend both locations and especially the Spanish latte. Definitely worth the visit!

    Wide variety of beverages from coffee to matcha to even chai!…read more The atmosphere is very welcoming with friendly and quick staff support. There's a handful of different pastries available but would recommend arriving earlier if you have your eye on something specific. My wife got the strawberry matcha whereas I ordered the Spanish latte. Both were not overly sweet and would definitely recommend this to others within the area!

    Photos
    Island Matcha
    Island Matcha
    Matcha latte and Spanish latte
    Matcha latte and Spanish latte
    Spanish Latte

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    Spanish Latte
    Lion and Lamb Coffee Roasters

    Lion and Lamb Coffee Roasters

    4.6
    (986 reviews)
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    Fantastic coffee. I tried the toffee latte and the chocolate…read morechip cookie. The coffee shop is huge and a lot of sitting. It wasn't busy but I'm sure it does. There was no food menu so I didn't know they served food??? The cookie tasted old and not fresh at all. I gave it 5 stars because the coffee was outstanding. Love it!!!

    What is not to love about this spot?…read more Easy and free parking for as long as you need it? Sign me up! Extensive drinks menu. I love love love their matcha and actually get my at-home espresso beans here. They are perfectly roasted and the espresso comes out smooth. I also have had their avocado toast. It is so good but I never finish it haha because it is big. Totally worth to try. They have large tables which are perfect to host coworking sessions or just to come and work. I think I've only had like a small instance where the internet got a little slow but other than that this is a pleasant spot to visit. You can also rent a study/conference room from the church. I sent a message before because I needed a spot to do my final oral exam virtually. There is a small fee but unfortunately no one got back to me. There is a QR code that takes you to a site where you fill out a form to request the space. Now, these requests are handled specifically by the church not the coffee spot. Although it is in the same area. The staff is super friendly. The restrooms are always clean. Handicap friendly. Not necessarily kid friendly because a lot of people come here to study and work, and its also all concrete and hazards for the small ones, but I have seen people do like babies on strollers type of gathering.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    AVO TOAST W/MARINATED EGGS! - Love this!!!  and a SALTED TOFFEE LATTE
    AVO TOAST W/MARINATED EGGS! - Love this!!! and a SALTED TOFFEE LATTE
    SALTED TOFFEE LATTE, with a little extra love from the barista - Perfect!

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    SALTED TOFFEE LATTE, with a little extra love from the barista - Perfect!
    Grid Coffee

    Grid Coffee

    4.1
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    1.4 mi
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    Been meaning to try this place for a while and I'm so glad I finally did. It's pretty big and has…read morelots of seating. Seems like a good study spot since I saw a good amount of people working and the music isn't too loud. There are also plenty of food spots in the same plaza if you wanted to grab a meal with your drink Banana caffe latte: 5/5 this is def one of my fav banana lattes that I've ever had bc it didn't have that artificial banana flavor. Would def recommend!! My boyfriend got the double matcha which he liked but it was a littlee too sweet for his preference

    Was in the area and saw that a new coffee shop had opened up. The inside is massive with a lot of…read moreseating which consisted of small backless stools, some benches and tables. It was very minimalist in design and didn't seem to comfortable. They specialize in match and espresso drinks. I went with a pistachio latte and my friend went with a cookie butter latte. Pistachio latte ($7.75) - I enjoyed the strong and bold taste of the espresso used, it tasted smooth and was rich and aromatic. The pistachio flavoring was good, I wish there was a bit more as the espresso overpowered it a bit. My friend said his cookie butter latte ($7.50) was perfect, and the cashier had mentioned that those are their 2 most popular drinks. Overall we enjoyed our drinks. The seating area could be improved to be more comfortable and inviting. They didn't really have anything to eat except for some waffles which didn't look fresh in the display case.

    Photos
    Blueberry matcha
    Blueberry matcha
    Strawberry Matcha Latte (left) Blueberry Matcha Latte (right)
    Strawberry Matcha Latte (left) Blueberry Matcha Latte (right)
    Kyoto Cold Brew (M)

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    Kyoto Cold Brew (M)
    Coffee Nature

    Coffee Nature

    4.4
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    When arriving, you'll see plenty of seating and even a few comfy hanging chairs. There are tons of…read moresmiles and friendly hellos. They offer a few seasonal items and a standard menu of lattes, teas, etc. Today I ordered the morning melt and the coconut latte. The coconut latte is delish and tastes like summer. The morning melt is also really good. So many flavors from the egg, turkey, and arugula. Next time I'll opt for the sauce on the side and put a little less so it's not so drippy. Still super tasty! Thanks for providing a relaxing vibe :)

    Checked this spot out since I was staying at the hotel nearby…read more.. What a neat little spot! Can almost call it a hidden gem! Despite being relatively close to two major colleges - OCC and UCI - this place wasn't as crowded as you'd imagine it would be. They serve coffee, matcha, breakfast foods like breakfast burritos, protein bowls, avocado toasts - but I didn't pick anything to eat since I already had lunch. I shared with the barista that it was my first time here, and he asked what type of drink I was looking for. I told him something iced and caffeinated - and he mentioned his favorite was the Honey Cinnamon Latte - which I opted for - iced, with oat milk. Total was $8.50 including tip. My iced Honey Cinnamon Latte was yummy, creamy, and fantastic! With the oat milk substitute, it sorta tasted like Cinnamon Toast Crunch in liquid coffee form. It wasn't overly sweet, definitely had a nice kick to it - love this recommendation by the barista! I checked out the rest of the space and used their restroom to wash my hands - it's really a neat space here. Lots of seating. Lots of space. There's an adjacent room that's connected to the cafe called "Flow Space" - which is utilized for small popups and arts & crafts. Neat spot for smaller community members to showcase their wares. Some of the other reviews mentioned no a/c - which had me worried considering we were having a bit of a heatwave lately - but to my pleasant surprise, A/C was on and cold! It was a great escape from the heat. Free wifi - fast enough for a zoom call if you need to hop into one - my speedtest reported download speeds of 17.5MB/s Restroom is clean and well maintained. Plenty of parking - of course, I stopped by a little after 2pm, so already avoiding the tail end of the lunch rush. Only downside is they close kinda early - 4pm - but open up at 7am. Great spot! Will probably be my go-to considering there's ample workspace, plenty of parking, less crowded than other coffee spots in the immediate area. I'm curious to try their matcha the next time I'm here, as well as possibly their breakfast burritos, since photos for that looks delicious.

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    Coffee Nature
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    Breakfast Burrito
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    Philz Coffee

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    4.0
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    Honestly, this is truly such a great place to stop by get a tea or pastry. Love the drinks and love…read morethe food. Although I mainly go for tea right now and my family likes the food and sometimes coffee drinks. The pastries are really quite tasty. They have great coffee sticks which I might try next time too. The next time you go, try a pastry, so far I like the coffee cake muffin a lot, but the croissants are great too. Tell them Frankie sent you although it might but really get you anything. In just enjoy supporting great places who do things right.

    I love stopping at Philz whenever I travel to California. I was introduced to them back in the day…read morewhen I was chilling in San Francisco. I love the quality of their beans. I was driving from Newport to Huntington Beach and came across this location in Costa Mesa. The store is a little hidden from the main road and not very spacious. But the drinks and customer service were great as always. I went in wanting to try something new, but defaulted as always to my longtime favorite Ice Mint Mojito. Phil Jaber founded Philz Coffee in 2003 and spent years experimenting with various coffee beans from around the world to create over 30 different unique blends. Each "cup of love" is custom made in front of you and finished off with their signature mint leave. The Philz baristas make sure your drink is to your liking before you pay. One thing that is unique about Phiz is that they don't do lattes or cappuccinos. The Mint Mojito Iced Coffee is their best seller and still my personal favorite. I ended grabbing one and a bag of coffee beans before hitting the road to my next destination.

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    Dining area.
    Dining area.
    Chocolate muffin
    Chocolate muffin
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    Spacious interior

    Gremlin Garage - coffee - Updated July 2026

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